Following the recent incursion into farmlands by herdsmen in Imo state, the state Chairman of Miyetti Allah, the umbrella body of the herders, Alhaji Audu Diko, on Monday apologised to monarchs and farmers over the destruction of farmlands by those he described as โunknown herdsmenโ.
Alhaji Diko who made the appeal during a meeting with the leadership of Hausa/Fulani herders, Imo community farmers, and traditional rulers organized by the State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike at the Commandโs Headquarters in Owerri, the Imo State capital, said that Imo people are peace loving and do not deserve any form of assault.
He disclosed that all acts of violence perpetrated by herdsmen in the state are carried out by unregistered and unidentified herders.
Meanwhile the monarchs expressed concerns over the destruction of their farmlands by the herdsmen, adding that the people may suffer famine if not checked.
The traditional ruler of Ubomiri in Mbaitoli Council Area, Eze George Eke, called for the establishment if ranches adding that โit saves lives and propertiesโ.
According to the monarch, โthe world is going into ranching, it saves herders from walking long distance; and the farmers from loss of farmlands. It comes with peace of mind and the cattle eat betterโ.
Eze Andrew Ezenwo of Awara community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, said that the herdsmen have unrelentlessly unleashed mayhem on his people.
Speaking, the State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike assured that the meeting will be more regular as demanded by the participants.
He also promised that the Committee on herdsmen and farmers in the 27 Council Areas of the state will be strengthened to check any form of crisis.
